Fake WhatsApp app reportedly found on Google Play with over 5 lakh downloads
What happened
Indian news outlets report a fake WhatsApp app listed on the Google Play Store, which according to these reports has been downloaded more than 500,000 times. The reports advise users to remove it and explain how to identify the genuine app.
When it started
Reports were published around 17 October 2026, according to the source URLs. The exact date the fake app appeared on the Play Store is not stated in the sources.
How it spread
According to the headlines, users who have the app are advised to uninstall it immediately. The sources do not detail how the app was discovered or who published it.
Why it matters
Fake messaging apps can pose security risks to users, so the reports urge people to check that they have the official WhatsApp app. Details of what the fake app does are not provided in the headlines available.